By Tony Fernandez, Chief Executive Officer and President of MTech Mobility - 2.28.2025
The restaurant industry has always been a high-pressure environment, but over the last couple of years, unprecedented challenges have arisen. While there are multiple contributing factors, the ongoing labor shortage—currently the primary challenge facing the restaurant industry—has persisted since the pandemic.
Many workers who left the industry did not return, instead transitioning to roles in other sectors. As a result, 70% of restaurant operators continue to report difficulty in filling job openings. This staffing shortage places additional strain on existing employees, leading to burnout and higher turnover rates.
Despite this challenge, the restaurant industry continues to expand: the sector registered $98.6 billion in January, marking the 10th consecutive month of sales gains and an almost $5 billion monthly increase.
The combination of labor shortages and rising consumer demand has created a ‘perfect storm’ for the industry, making it increasingly difficult for restaurants to operate efficiently and meet customers’ expectations. This situation puts the quality of their services and their overall reputation at risk.
In response, restaurant operators are turning to innovative solutions to keep their doors open and their teams engaged. One promising avenue is the integration of mobile technology, which has the potential to revolutionize restaurant operations, improve employee well-being, and enhance the dining experience.
Mobile Ordering and Payment Systems
With solutions like mobile ordering and contactless payment systems, restaurants can significantly ease the workload on their teams. For example, mobile point of sale technology allows the server to place orders directly from the table to the kitchen (KDS). This significantly reduces the time of having to take orders manually and then enter orders into a traditional POS terminal, usually located on the other side of the restaurant.
Contactless payment systems remove the need for staff to handle transactions manually, leading to faster table turns and reducing manual errors. This also allows employees to focus on providing quality service rather than being overwhelmed by order-taking and payment processing during peak hours. It’s a win-win situation for restaurants as it improves operations efficiency and also fosters a less stressful environment, benefiting both staff and guests alike.
Automated Scheduling and Workforce Management Apps
Tools like 7shifts and HotSchedules help managers create fair, efficient schedules that account for employee availability and labor laws, reducing scheduling conflicts and last-minute scrambles that contribute to staff stress.
Digital Kitchen Display Systems (KDS)
Replacing traditional paper tickets with a digital KDS streamlines communication between the front and back of house, reducing errors and improving kitchen efficiency, which helps mitigate the chaos that often leads to burnout.
AI-Driven Inventory Management
Apps that track inventory in real-time can alert staff when supplies are low, automate reordering, and reduce food waste. This minimizes the mental load on managers and allows them to focus on team morale and customer service.
How Mobile Ordering & Payment Systems Alleviate Operational Challenges
The introduction of mobile ordering and payment systems is proving to be a game-changer for many restaurants. These systems tackle some of the most pressing operational challenges head-on:
- Labor Efficiency: Fewer staff members are required to take orders and process payments, allowing restaurants to operate smoothly with leaner teams.
- Faster Table Turnover: When customers can order and pay in their own time, tables turn more quickly, increasing revenue without overburdening staff.
- Error Reduction: Mobile orders go directly to the kitchen, eliminating the mistakes that often occur with handwritten tickets or verbal communication.
Enhancing Customer Satisfaction and Boosting Profits
When implemented thoughtfully, mobile ordering and payment systems can significantly enhance the dining experience, leading to higher customer satisfaction and, ultimately, increased profits.
- Personalized Service: Digital systems often come with CRM tools that allow restaurants to track customer preferences, enabling a more personalized and memorable dining experience.
- Upselling and Promotions: Mobile menus can suggest pairings, highlight specials, and encourage customers to order more, boosting average check sizes.
- Reduced Wait Times: Faster ordering and contactless payment processes lead to shorter wait times, which is a major factor in customer satisfaction.
As restaurants navigate a landscape reshaped by labor challenges and evolving consumer expectations, mobile technology offers a powerful solution. By reducing the strain on staff, improving operational efficiency, and creating a seamless dining experience, digital innovation is not just a luxury—it’s becoming a necessity for long-term success in the hospitality industry.
The key is to adopt these technologies thoughtfully, with a focus on enhancing both employee well-being and customer satisfaction, creating a win-win scenario that drives loyalty and profitability.
Tony Fernandez, CEO and President of MTech Mobility is a visionary leader with over 20 years of experience in enterprise mobility, IT services, and multi-industry management. He has spearheaded innovative technology solutions across retail, hospitality, healthcare, travel, and the public sector, helping businesses streamline operations and maximize productivity. Known for his customer-first approach, Tony has played a pivotal role in developing cutting-edge mobility strategies that drive business growth and efficiency. As CEO of MTech Mobility, he continues to shape the future of enterprise technology, ensuring companies worldwide stay ahead in an increasingly digital and connected world.
Are you an industry thought leader with a point of view on restaurant technology that you would like to share with our readers? If so, we invite you to review our editorial guidelines and submit your article for publishing consideration.
